FORESTRY IN SWITZERLAND. 233 



places the evil has been to some extent remedied, in others there has prevailed 

 such a mania for tree-cutting that, only a few years ago, an inundation came 

 and caused over fifty million francs worth of damage in two of the most fruit- 

 ful and beauteous sections of the country. 



In any case, it will be admitted that "an ounce of prevention is worth a 

 pound of cure." Instances can be adduced where an outlay of a hundred 

 francs at the proper time would have saved millions. Of these the author 

 mentions one especially, that of the Nolla, a stream near Thusis, in canton 

 Graubiinden, which has lapsed into such a condition that after every thunder- 

 storm it pours down immense masses of earth, mud, and rock into the valley; 

 and how many similar streams are there to be found in Switzerland which, 

 in the beginning, by aid of slight constructions, might have been kept within 

 their natural bounds as brooks and rivulets, instead of, as now, frequently 

 swelling to torrents, sweeping Everything with them. And how has this come 

 to pass? Simply thus, that after the cutting away of the forests around the 

 sources, the rainfall, instead of being absorbed by the trees as formerly, pours 

 in simultaneously from all sides in great masses into the bed of the stream, 

 washes it away, undermines the banks, and finally sweeps away the entire mass 

 of rubbish down into the valley. The first inquiry of the author is, therefore, 

 directed to ascertaining what precautions may be taken to prevent this state 

 of things where not already existing. Manifestly, he replies, by studying 

 carefully, in the first place, the nature and sources of the streams, inasmuch 

 as in these lies, in almost every instance, the original cause of disaster and 

 damage. 



Such cause may, for instance, be found at the source of a brook where the spring has become 

 blocked up, and consequently bursts forth at some unexpected point. Now, if the subsoil is 

 partly composed of gypsum or of projecting and unsupported earth or rock stratum, with 

 intermediate layers of clay, &c., the entire mountain may in time be carried away by the action 

 of the water; in fact, more than one locality can be cited where, from a similar cause, land 

 and buildings are moving, slowly, it is true, but yet at a rate which can be measured. But. 

 yet, in face of the fact that, on account of this movement, numerous house repairs, and indeed 

 entire protective structures are rendered necessary, the good people still cling to their native 

 sod and no warning serves to awaken them to a proper care of their water-courses. 

 ****** 



The dangers which even the smallest rivulet may carry in its course do not, as before 

 stated, necessarily lie in the substratum from which it springs, or into which it frequently sinks 

 unperceived; they may also be found in the bed over which it — and to all appearances harm- 

 lessly — runs, as when, for instance, it consists of broken or projecting clay, or the danger may 

 originate in the careless cutting away and rooting out of trees at the confluence of the sources, 

 that is from the steep declivities about them. Where both these causes exist, the evil will 

 increase with proportional rapidity, but seldom so rapidly as to attract the attention of an 

 absent-minded or negligent owner. Even when he realizes the gravity of the situation, he 

 soon comforts himself with the remark, " Well, it has been going on for a long time ; it can't 

 be very dangerous." 



In instances such as those referred to, where damage to a piece of land has already begun, 

 even in the smallest way, it is recommended to replant the cleared slopes, in the fall or the 

 spring, and to put down at the threatened points in the brook artificial constructions of green 

 wood, with adequate strength for resistance, but free from sap. 



